Colorado challenges local industry to save energy

Colorado launched the “Colorado Industrial Energy Challenge,” yesterday. Companies that enter the challenge have made a voluntary commitment to reduce energy in their manufacturing facilities and are utilizing the challenge program to achieve that goal. 13 companies from a variety of industries represent the inaugural entrants.

The Challenge is open to businesses that have industrial facilities with more than $200,000 in annual energy costs. As a condition of the Challenge, entrants set a five year goal of energy reduction and consent to reporting their annual usage to program administrators. Companies that join the program can receive free technical assistance toward their goal.

The Governor’s Energy Office will be responsible for sponsoring and managing the program with the aid of a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Entrants will receive technical assistance from Colorado State University’s Industrial Assessment Center and the ETC Group an environmental engineering firm.

“These companies are strong partners in our work to make Colorado a world leader in energy efficiency and clean-tech innovations,” Gov. Ritter said. “Reducing energy consumption isn’t just good for the environment, it also will help these companies stay competitive, create jobs, increase America’s energy security and strengthen Colorado’s New Energy Economy.”